A phenomenon of the European integration in a mirror of Russian political science

A modern state of the European Union as one of key world actors is analyzed in the article. The author resting upon papers of top specialists in sphere of international relations, sociologic data, points out objectively progress and problems in the European integration. At the same time the researcher comes to the conclusion that despite an advance in economic integration there are some kinds of difficulties in political and cultural ones that the EU should overcome in the nearest future.